I plan to purchase a Getaway for small lake Sailing in Ontario and was wondering, given the size and shape of Getaway hulls and sails, If a Gennaker may be a better add-on to the Getaway rather than a Spin. I would think this cat could broad reach and jibe down a downwind leg with a Genn faster than a straight run with a spinnaker. I understand that people are putting H16 Spins on the Getaway, perhaps using the same pole, a furling Genn can be put on? Or am I missing something? I know I could ask my dealer Fogh Marine but wanted to query the collective intelligence on this forum.

David H. at Nepean SC Ottawa has added a H16 spin to his Getaway...purchased from Fogh Marine.All I can remember is the HUGE grin on Dave's face when he returned to thedock last August after a great day's sailing in SW 20 kph wind....

If you contact me off line, I can put you in touch with him.(lunnjohn 'at' magma 'dot' ca)He wrote a terrific 'how to' re installation, with pictures.I will be using that manual as I mount a Tiger spin on my SX18.They tell me that grinning is good for you.

If you are around, June 1 and 2 is the annual Ottawa Skiff and Cat Grand Prix, hosted by Nepean....www dot nsc dot ca

_________________1989 Hobie SX18 Sail # 1947 "In Theory..."'Only two things are infinite, the universe, and human stupidity. But I'm not sure about the former.'

Thank you.Now the ignorance of this old Sailboard warrior is revealed.Question: would it not be easier to have a roller for a Gennrather than a snuffer for a Spin? I hope to race on my lakewith my kids (hoping they will get infected with the sailing bug)so I am looking at it from a practical point of view in regards toease of use and flexibility in terms of larger angle of attacK(beam reach all the way down)So for practical viewpoint what do people think?Is a spinnaker or gennaker generally better?

I think the ordigonal question is valid, a 125% or a 150% genaker would make a world of differance to the performance of the boat. Plus I think you could still single hand the boat. It would pretty hard to work the main and the spin in a blow by your self. You could at least furl the genaker as the wind came up. Just my 2cents worth.

_________________06 getaway -- always remember, man with both feet in mouth have no leg to stand on.

I only used the Gennaker a couple of times on my SC21 and I loved it. My take is that if you are looking for ultimate performance, the spinnaker has the advantage, since you are not carrying all that weight and windage upwind, and also by not being limited by a furler, the spi can be larger.

For cruising, short-hand sailing and all-around fun, the gennaker it's the cat's meaow.

Besides, and this is a purely personal opinion, the spinnaker snuffers are uglier than (censored).

_________________Practice makes perfect, so be careful what you practice...

Check with others.....as I recall from the depths of a snowy winter afternoon... before you raise the spin, sheet in HARD on the mainsheet and cleat it, as the mainsheet acts as a backstay, and will prevent the mast and comptip from snapping. So once the main is locked, raise the spin, play the sheet, and you are good to go.

Better if you have experienced crew, however it is possible that a competant single hander could manage it. Those in our catamaran fleet who fly spinakers always use crew.

Sure, roller furling is always easier, but snuffers work amazingly well, with about the same effort. Don't forget the McLube....

_________________1989 Hobie SX18 Sail # 1947 "In Theory..."'Only two things are infinite, the universe, and human stupidity. But I'm not sure about the former.'

Thanks everyone.I spoke to my boys, aged 15 and 18, whom each have 5 years of Motocross racing experience and guess what? they want the faster Hobie 16 instead of the getaway. Go figure, they want more time in the air. I will get the Spin for it as well.thanks again.

Good luck, I always wanted to put a spi on my 16 but never had a sailing buddy to sail with. I am still thinking about a gennaker for my getaway but I need to figure out how and where to anchor the block somewhere down each hull.

_________________06 getaway -- always remember, man with both feet in mouth have no leg to stand on.